Students frequently explain that academic problems played some role in their decisions to commit academic offences. Common difficulties include lack of exam preparation and misunderstanding of proper research techniques, but we recognize that a variety of issues can create stress and a temptation to take unauthorized shortcuts. Here we provide a list of helpful resources available to University of Toronto students who are experiencing academic difficulties.

University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto has the fourth-largest academic library system in North America, with over 30 branches. A variety of services are provided by library staff, including individual consultations on research strategies, workshops on library and online research, guides to research within a variety of subjects (e.g. why and how to cite sources properly), and group study room reservations.

Writing at the University of Toronto

Writing is one of the core skills you should develop as a student at the University of Toronto. The U of T Writing Website provides some great information about the many stages of academic writing: planning, researching, referencing, writing, and editing. Frequently asked questions about academic writing are addressed, with concrete suggestions about how to deal with common writing problems. Some resources for English language learners are also available on this site.

Academic Success

The Academic Success Team offers a wide variety of services and programming to help students meet their academic and personal goals at the University. Individualized learning skills consultations with a Learning Strategist are available by appointment. You can also attend workshops related to academic success (e.g., “Stop Procrastinating!”, “Overcoming Exam Anxiety”, “Giving Oral Presentations”), attend a Study Hub, or consult their library of helpful resources.

English Language Learning (ELL)

The English Language Learning Program supports all U of T undergraduates enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Science whose first language is not English (ESL or multilingual students), as well as native speakers seeking to improve their English language skills.

College-Specific Resources

The Colleges in the Faculty of Arts & Science all have useful resources:

The Office of the Registrar within each College can provide information, counselling, and referrals on a wide range of academic, personal, and financial issues. In matters of alleged academic offenses, they can review the overall situation with you, educate you about the next steps in the process, and discuss possible outcomes for your case.

We strongly recommend that ALL students alleged to have committed an academic offence immediately seek counsel from their College Registrars.

Every College has a Writing Centre, where you can have your skills assessed, receive personalized individual instruction, and work to improve your written communication. Some Colleges also have additional resources to assist with other common assignments you may encounter, such as math problems.